Best budget turntables for 2023 | $150 to $300

When looking for turntables, there are a few things you need to look for on the turntable you need to make sure it won’t destroy your vinyl. While there are many features that make up a great turntable (pitch control, strobe lights, etc. are nice but not essential), most audiophiles consider these the minimum features that every turntable should have.

1. A counterweight
2. A moving magnet cartridge
3. A full-sized platter
4. Anti-skate

(See: why turntables without these features will ruin your vinyl)

If you’re buying a turntable on a strict budget we strongly suggest buying one of the turntables listed below. You’ll spend slightly more now but you’ll save a lot in the long-run by buying a turntable that won’t break down or damage your records.

So we decided to compile a list of the cheapest turntables that meet these basic specs:

1. Crosley C100 Turntable

The only Crosley you should consider buying. While most of Crosley’s turntables will damage your records, the Crosley C100 is different. Crosley’s first premium turntable comes with a full-sized platter, a magnetic Audio-Technica cartridge and pitch adjustment features. It has a built-in phono stage so it will plug into any stereo or home entertainment with red and white phono inputs. Like all the turntables on this list, it doesn’t come with built-in speakers (see why cheap turntables with built in speakers will ruin your records) but it comes with a built-in preamp that allows you to plug it straight into your home receiver, a soundbar, powered speakers, or even your PC speakers. If you don’t want to buy speakers, check out our list of recommended all-in-one turntable systems.

Buy it on Amazon ($119.99)

2. Timmit Vinyl Turntable

While Timmit is a relatively unknown brand in the audio world, it uses a magnetic cartridge from well known audio company Audio-Technica. It has an adjustable counterweight so you can upgrade your cartridge in the future. It has a bluetooth transmitter so you can connect it directly to your bluetooth speakers and listen to your vinyl records without having to buy speakers or have an existing hifi system. It also has a full sized aluminium platter to avoid the wobbling you see on most lower end turntables.

It has an average of 4.0 stars on Amazon and users seem to be very happy with its performance.

Get it on Amazon for $169.00

3. Retrolife Bluetooth Record Player

This is the ONLY Retrolife turntable you should consider purchasing. This record player has a full sized platter and adjustable counterweight. It also has a built in preamp so it will work with any home entertainment system amplifier with a red and white aux input, including soundbars and home theatre receivers. It’s got Bluetooth connectivity as well which allows you to connect the turntable to a Bluetooth speaker. A highly recommended product and the perfect gift for somebody who has been looking into starting a vinyl record collection.

Buy it on Amazon ($145.99)

4. Donner DP500 Turntable

Another turntable with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from any real turntable. A full-sized aluminium platter, an Audio Technica magnetic cartridge, and an auto stop function that turns off the turntable when it gets to the end of the record. It also has Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity for easy connecting to any Bluetooth speaker.

Buy it on Amazon ($189.99)

5. The House of Marley Stir It Up Turntable

Perfect for beginners, this turntable features all the basic requirements that turntables should meet. It features a working counterweight, anti-skate, full-size platter and an Audio-Technica AT3600 Moving Magnet cartridge. Another feature that this turntable has is a built-in phono preamp. Built in phono preamps allow you to plug this into any sound system that can take a normal aux cable or RCA cables. Turntables without built-in preamps need a vintage receiver with a dedicated phono preamp to amplify the low level signal produced by moving magnet cartridges to a level that all sound systems can amplify. You could plug this straight into your home sound system, some powered PC speakers or even straight into your headphones thanks to the turntable’s built-in headphone jack.

All for under $200.

Buy it: Amazon ($199.99)

6. Pro-Ject Elemental

Pro-Jects lowest priced offering also has everything you need, except for a phono preamp. If your receiver has a dedicated phono input, you’re good to go. If not, you’ll have to buy one before you can plug your turntable into your sound system.

This turntable comes equipped with the Ortofon OM10 Moving Magnet Cartridge.

Buy it: Amazon($229.00)

I’ve listed this Pro-Ject because it’s the cheapest one on offer but they’re all great really. Get one that fits your budget and catches your eye.

7. Audio-Technica AT-LP120

This one comes with a built-in phono preamp. It comes equipped with an Audio-Technica AT95e Moving Magnet cartridge.

Buy it: Amazon ($299.99)